Circuitpark Karting Texel

On the island of Texel, off the northern coast of the Netherlands, the Circuitpark Karting Texel is an outdoor karting track of around five hundred metres. The karts reach up to seventy kilometres an hour, which makes it a genuinely fast track rather than a simple attraction. It is one of the few motorsport activities on the island, popular with holidaying families and locals alike.

Access is designed for all ages: children can ride from age six in a two-seater with an adult, and drive on their own from twelve, while adults have more powerful karts. The track is open much of the year, daily in summer and during the holidays, with a terrace for a bite between sessions. No experience is needed: a briefing, a helmet, and off you go after your best lap.

Texel is the largest of the Wadden islands, an archipelago listed as World Heritage for its unspoilt nature, vast beaches and bird reserves. It is reached by ferry from Den Helder, and the island is easily explored by bike between dunes, villages and sheep. Karting rounds off a day there nicely, especially when the North Sea wind puts you off swimming. On an island where outdoor activities depend heavily on the weather, the track offers a lively alternative on windy days. It has become a family-holiday classic on Texel, best booked ahead in high season.